The group hovered silently, each of them staring at the endless shelves of fragments.
Even from a distance, the library seemed alive. Golden light flickered along carved runes in the floor, reflecting off the fragments, casting shadows that danced across the towering shelves. Some fragments hovered gently, spinning, while others pulsed as if aware of the intruders.
Kailen's eyes swept across them all, calm and calculating. "Do not touch anything," he said firmly, though his gaze softened slightly as it passed over Arrie and the others. "Observe first. Move carefully. The library will test intent and compatibility, not strength."
Arrie's eyes scanned the shelves, lingering on a fragment that radiated soft green light. "It… it's beautiful," she whispered. "I feel like it's… calling to me."
Ethan frowned, gripping his hands together. "Calling or warning?"
